BMW X5 G05 vs Volkswagen T-Roc A11

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

Volkswagen T-Roc

A11 · 2017 – 2025

The first-generation T-Roc (A11), on the MQB A1 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pick the T-Roc for a bold crossover look with an elevated seat and city-friendly dimensions.

Best engine: The 1.5 TSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

B58 40i · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol

	BMW X5	Volkswagen T-Roc
Power	340 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	450 Nm Winner	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,5 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	243 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	159,3 hp/t Winner	118,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	198 g/km	128 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,6 L/100km	5,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X5	Volkswagen T-Roc
Boot	650 L Winner	445 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.870 L Winner	1.290 L
Wheelbase	2,98 m Winner	2,59 m
Length	4,92 m	4,23 m
Ground clearance	21,4 cm	16,1 cm
Turning circle	12,6 m	10,9 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	3.500 kg Winner	1.800 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X5	Volkswagen T-Roc
Platform	CLAR (longitudinal)	MQB A1 (transverse)
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (R) · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI
Transmission	8-speed Steptronic	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Volkswagen T-Roc

Electronic parking-brake and software recalls (pre-facelift)
Infotainment glitches on early cars
Cabriolet: roof mechanism/water ingress at high mileage

Pros

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Volkswagen T-Roc

Customisable design with optional contrasting roof
Facelift (2022) brought modernised lights and interior
Strong driver-assistance suite (IQ.DRIVE)

Cons

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Volkswagen T-Roc

Pre-facelift interior (2017–2021) looks simpler
Cabriolet: smaller boot and higher weight

Driving experience

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.

Volkswagen T-Roc

Easy, comfortable and a little more involving than most crossovers. The T-Roc steers accurately with decent weighting, rides well enough, and handles tidily for a car of its height, with the 2.0 TSI R version adding genuine pace. Front-drive is the default; 4MOTION adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and efficient — the 2.0 TDI is the distance choice, and the 1.0 TSI is adequate for town work. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light. It is a well-rounded compact crossover that feels closer to a Golf than its tall body suggests.